Health board 'learns lessons'

A PATIENT being prescribed out-of-date medication and the handle of a piece of surgical equipment disintegrating during use are among the "lessons learned" by NHS Lothian this year.

The health board published the cases to show how mistakes that occurred were taken on board and subsequent improvements made.

In one case a patient was given out-of-date medication, but the problem was uncovered and their GP able to prescribe a new course.

In another case, a surgeon felt the handle of a piece of equipment disintegrate during a procedure, though this did not have any severe implications for the patient.

In both those occasions reports were filed and measures introduced to improve the position.